AP-MI--Michigan News Digest 6pm, MI

July 11, 2018

Here’s a look at how AP’s general news coverage is shaping up in Michigan at 6 p.m. Questions about today’s coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the AP-Detroit bureau at 800-642-4125 or 313-259-0650 or apmichigan@ap.org. Herbert G. McCann is on the desk. AP-Michigan News Editor Roger Schneider can be reached at 313-259-0650 or rschneider@ap.org. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan at newsroom.ap.org.

A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date. All times are Eastern.

Some TV and radio stations will receive shorter APNewsNow versions of the stories below, along with all updates.

TOP STORIES:

LAKE ERIE ALGAE

TOLEDO, Ohio — Ohio’s governor is calling for regulations on thousands of farms as part of a new strategy to combat the fertilizer and manure that flows into streams and feeds persistent toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie. Gov. John Kasich signed an executive order Wednesday that signals a more aggressive approach to finding a way to stop the algae from taking over huge swaths of the shallowest of the Great Lakes. The summertime blooms turn the waters of the lake’s western end into a pea soup color and are the cause of tainted drinking water, fish kills and beach closures. By John Seewer. SENT: 515 words.

AROUND THE STATE:

DETROIT SCHOOLS-SPECIAL EDUCATION

DETROIT — Detroit education officials are working to address shortfalls in the school district’s special education program after audits found it’s failing to meet student needs. The Detroit Board of Education on Tuesday approved Superintendent Nikolai Vitti’s plan for sweeping reforms to its special education department, the Detroit News reported. Two audits identified that the district lacks an effective system for identifying and evaluating children who may be eligible for special education services. SENT: 350 words.

PURPLE HEART-RETURN

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Three World War II soldiers died without having their Purple Heart awards in their possession, but the long-missing medals have been returned to their families in Michigan. Nonprofit Purple Hearts Reunited recovered the three medals and presented them to their rightful owners on Tuesday during a ceremony in Grand Rapids. The families of Army Staff Sgt. Marinum Gillesse, and Pvts. James Nameth Jr. and Clayton Richard were honored at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. SENT: 255 words.

IN BRIEF:

— TODDLER’S DEATH-DAY CARE: A former western Michigan day care provider has been ordered to pay $1.8 million after pleading guilty to child neglect in the death of a toddler by an 8-year-old girl.

— FLINT WATER: A judge is hearing key arguments in the most significant criminal case related to Flint’s lead-contaminated water.

— RACCOON RESCUE-OFFICERS: Two Michigan police officers are credited with rescuing a baby raccoon that was trapped in a barrel of sludge.

— ATTORNEY GENERAL-INDEPENDENT: A federal prosecutor has quit his job to launch an independent candidacy for Michigan attorney general.

— MICHIGAN PIPELINE-HEARING: Michigan regulators will take public comments on a proposal for more anchor supports in the Straits of Mackinac to bolster twin oil pipelines.

— WAYNE STATE-FUNDRAISING: Wayne State University has reached a $750 million fundraising campaign goal three months early.

SPORTS:

TIGERS-RAYS

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Even after his first three-hit game of the season and a home run, Kevin Kiermaier knew the focus deserved to be elsewhere Wednesday after the Tampa Bay Rays completed a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers with a 4-2 victory. C.J. Cron’s three-run home run in the seventh inning carried the Rays to their fifth straight win, and five pitchers held the opponent to two runs or fewer for the 12th time in the Rays’ past 15 home games, in which they are 14-1. By Dick Scanlon. SENT: 650 words, photos.

Also:

— HKN--RED WINGS-MANTHA: The Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a two-year, $6.6 million contract with Anthony Mantha.

— BIG3-DETROIT: A playground-themed basketball league featuring former NBA stars is making a stop at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

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